WHEN AN ABUSER IS IN A POSITION OF POWER

Introduction:

Domestic violence has no social, economic or cultural barriers.

• Domestic violence is a process of psychological intimidation.
• Even strong, competent people can be controlled by a domestic partner.
• Domestic violence often begins with verbal and emotional abuse, and it can escalate to physical abuse. (1)

As a society, we would always like to believe that when a person reaches a position of power within that society, they are persons that we can look to for protection, guidance, and with respect.

Regretfully, that is not always the case. There has been increased information coming forward where the wives of officers of the Armed Forces and Police Services are not only victims of mental and physical abuse, but through the positions held by their spouses they are made to feel ostracized, vulnerable, and unprotected by the very public service that has a mandate and obligation to ‘serve and protect’.

Sisters in Solidarity (SiS) has been contacted by wives of politicians and police officers who are reluctant to come forward as they have been conditioned to believe that they have no credibility, and will not be deemed credible witnesses or victims. In the case(s) where the victim is also a police officer the situation becomes even more unique and complex.

Regardless of the powerful position an abuser holds - ‘domestic violence is a crime’, even in cases where the abuser is a police officer.

The following has been taken from the Life Span Brochure and for more information please access their web site at: www.life-span.org

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• His thorough training enables him to quickly and effectively take control of any situation.

• He knows how to intimidate by presence alone, using uniform, stance and voice.

• He is trained in interrogation and surveillance.

• He is trained in the use of force and weapons.

You may be afraid to:

• Call the police – He IS the police.
• Go to a shelter – He knows where the shelters are located.
• Have him arrested. Responding officers may invoke the code of silence.
• Take him to court – It’s your word against that of an officer, and he KNOWS the system.
• Seek a conviction – He will probably lose his job and retaliate against you.
• DROP THE CHARGES – You will lose future credibility and protection.

® Any of these actions could increase the victims level of danger.

(1) Life Span

LIFE SPAN HAS A 24 HOUR CRISIS LINE 
AND CAN BE REACHED AT: 847- 824-4454

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